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  3. Tackling

Jab Then Block

Use a jab to make the dribbler push the ball wide, then block tackle it.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Your partner dribbles at jogging pace with a coach watching.

Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of steady shadows.

Ages
14 and up
Time
15 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Stick, ball, partner, mouthguard, shin guards
Level · skill
Advanced · Tackling

The steps

How it works

  1. Your partner dribbles at jogging pace with a coach watching.
  2. Jab to unsettle the ball.
  3. As they push it away, drop into a block tackle.
  4. Do 12 reps each.

Coaching point

Jab to unsettle, block to win.

Safety: Live tackling only with a coach watching. Mouthguard and shin guards on, ball on the ground, stick below the shoulder. Wear protective eyewear (ASTM F2713) where your league requires it.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Shadow-stick game: stay in front of your partner with your stick low and ready, and with no stick or body contact. Swap.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (partner walks), Core (jogs), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of steady shadows.

Story

You are a castle guard holding the bridge.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own run of steady shadows. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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